Rental and Utility Assistance Remains Available to ABQ Residents
July 31, 2021
Albuquerque residents can continue applications for the federal funds allocated to help eligible families with Emergency Rental Assistance. The City is administering these funds in partnership with the New Mexico Department of Finance and Administration (DFA) and is working with local partners to get the funds to those who need them to pay rent and utilities. Information and a link to the application can be found at cabq.gov/rent.
“While we are moving toward recovery from the pandemic, we cannot forget about the working families who are still struggling to bounce back financially,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “This funding is a lifeline that will help stabilize Albuquerque families who are at risk of losing their homes.”
The Emergency Rental Assistance funds will be used to provide aid to renters who are at or below 80 percent of the area median income, have been directly or indirectly impacted by COVID and are at risk of homelessness or housing instability. Funds can be used to pay rent and utility payments that are past due, in addition to future rent. Eligible households may receive up to 15 months of assistance, although households who need help with future payments will need to re-apply for assistance every three months.
Among the key goals established by the City are to work with community partners to conduct outreach to people who need emergency rental assistance and provide support to complete the application. That includes marginalized communities of color, non-English speaking communities and other communities who have been disproportionately impacted due to structural inequities and resulting health and social vulnerabilities.
“This is a significant amount of support for Albuquerque and we want to make sure that everyone who could benefit is hearing about this opportunity and has the support they need to apply,” said Carol Pierce, director of the City’s Family and Community Services. “We have many partners throughout the City who are helping us spread the word and offer assistance to those who need it to apply.”
The state of New Mexico, who is administering funds on behalf of the City, will either pay the landlord and/or the utility provider directly depending on the financial assistance requested by the applicant. Landlords and utility providers are encouraged to download a W9 and submit it to DFA via [email protected] as soon as possible to ensure a streamlined process for receiving payment.
The City of Albuquerque has been offering rental and utility assistance throughout the pandemic. Learn more about all available rental assistance opportunities at cabq.gov/rent.